SP-423 7/11

Feral Hog Transportation Regulations

Jared Timmons, James C. Cathey, Nikki Dictson, and Mark McFarland* Texas AgriLife Extension Service The Texas A&M University System

andowners in the Plum Creek Watershed For a list of approved holding facilities, visit of Hays, Caldwell, and Travis counties the TAHC website at http://www.tahc.state. sometimes ask themselves, now that I have tx.us/animal_health/feral_swine.html. hogs in my trap, what do I do with them? Male Feral Hogs The Texas Animal Health Commission Male feral hogs may be held for up to (TAHC) regulates the movement of feral seven days in an escape-proof pen or trailer hogs, holding facilities, and release on hunting (Figures 3 and 4). They can be sold to an preserves. A point of clarification is required approved holding facility, slaughter facility, as hunting preserves must have a hunting or authorized hunting preserve. An approved lease permit issued by the Texas Parks and holding facility can take them to slaughter or Wildlife Department. sell them to an authorized hunting preserve. Only male feral hogs may be sold to an Female Feral Hogs authorized hunting preserve. Movement and release of females (sows and gilts) and males (boars and barrows), are regulated differently. Think of females as the production factory contributing to increased feral hog populations (Figure 1). They may not be transported and released onto another property. They should be removed from the population. Female feral hogs may be held for up to seven days in an escape-proof pen or trailer (Figure 2). They can be taken directly to slaughter, or sold to an approved holding facility, who then takes them to slaughter.

Figure 1. Female and young feral hogs entering a corral trap. (Photo by Larry Lindsey)

*Authors are Extension Assistant; Associate Professor and Extension Wildlife Specialist; Extension Program Specialist; Professor and Extension Soil Fertility Specialist, respectively.

Figure 2. Transporting live feral hogs in a trailer.

Figure 3. Feral hogs captured in a box trap.

Fencing of authorized hunting preserves must be inspected by TAHC field inspectors and determined to be swine-proof. Male feral hogs must be individually identified using a form of official identification including ear marks, brands, tattoos, or electronic devices prior to release on the hunting preserve. Contact TAHC for other non traditional forms of identification. Authorized hunting preserves

are also subject to periodic inspections by the TAHC. Additional Information To hone your knowledge of feral hogs and methods for their control, several publications were developed by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and can be downloaded at no charge by going to the Plum Creek Watershed Partnership website http://plumcreek.tamu.edu/feralhogs. This website also has an on-line tool which allows landowners and the general public to report feral hog sightings and control measures. Contact Information For more information contact: Jared Timmons at 979-845-7471 or jbtimmons@ag.tamu.edu.

Figure 4. Live feral hog on a trailer.

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Acknowledgement and disclaimer Publication date: June 2011. This publication was developed with funding support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through a Clean Water Act 319(h) Nonpoint Source grant administered by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Integrated Water Quality Program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination in all their programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Educational programs of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, disability, religion, age or national origin. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics, Acts of Congress of May 8, 1914, as amended, and June 30, 1914 in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture. Edward. G. Smith, Director, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M System.